The Dark Roots of the Black Arts: Why Christians Must Steer Clear
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The term Black Arts refers to practices that fall under the occult—sorcery, necromancy, divination, and ritual magic—used to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain or insight. These arts have always been tied to spiritual forces opposed to the God of the Bible. For Christians, understanding the origins, beliefs, and dangers of these practices is vital to protecting one’s spiritual well-being and remaining faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Origins and Founder of the Black Arts
The Black Arts don't have a singular human founder but are rooted in ancient pagan cultures such as Babylon, Egypt, and later medieval Europe. These practices were often passed down through esoteric knowledge, mystery schools, and secret societies. In modern history, figures like Aleister Crowley, often called "the most wicked man in the world," popularized ceremonial magic and explicitly demonic rituals. Crowley’s teachings inspired various occult movements, such as Thelema, Wicca, and parts of the New Age movement.
Spirituality Behind the Black Arts
The spirituality associated with the Black Arts is not neutral or benign—it is deeply anti-Christian and explicitly pagan. It often includes communication with “spirit guides,” channeling of energies, ancestor worship, and the invocation of deities or demons. This worldview claims that spiritual power is attainable through human effort and esoteric knowledge, not through a relationship with the one true God. These practices deny the sufficiency of Christ and seek power apart from Him.
Cultural Context and Beliefs
The Black Arts emerged from cultures steeped in idolatry and false gods. Babylon, for example, was a hub for astrologers, diviners, and magicians (see Daniel 2:2). These cultures believed in manipulating unseen forces through rituals, talismans, chants, or alignment with celestial bodies. Many of their gods were spirits of the dead, fallen angels, or elemental forces. Such beliefs are in direct opposition to biblical doctrine, which declares that there is one true God (Isaiah 45:5) and that spiritual power belongs to Him alone (Psalm 62:11).
Divination, Energy, or Something Else?
The Black Arts often use divination (seeking hidden knowledge through supernatural means), energy manipulation (as in Reiki, chakras, or crystals), and other metaphysical techniques. These are not mere “tools” but doorways to spiritual deception. Christians cannot sanitize or “Christianize” these methods. Just because something appears to produce peace or healing does not mean it is from God. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
God or gods?
The deities invoked in the Black Arts vary by tradition—Egyptian gods like Thoth and Isis, Norse gods like Odin, or demonic entities masked as “ascended masters” or “spirit guides.” These are not harmless cultural figures; they are demons in disguise (Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Corinthians 10:20). Worship or even passive engagement with these beings is idolatry, and it places one under demonic influence.
Why Christians Must Not Participate
Scripture is clear and uncompromising:
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Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “Let no one be found among you... who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
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Acts 19:19 – Early believers who practiced magic burned their scrolls publicly as a sign of repentance.
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Galatians 5:19-21 – Sorcery is listed among the acts of the flesh, which disqualify a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.
There is no room for blending the occult with Christianity. You cannot take a modality that originates from demonic deception and try to convert it into a “Christian version.” If Jesus did not do it, teach it, or endorse it, neither should we. He did not balance energy, read auras, or consult the stars—He cast out demons, healed by the Holy Spirit, and always pointed to the Father.
Spiritual Consequences
Christians who open themselves up to occult or New Age practices can experience demonic oppression—emotional torment, nightmares, hear voices, see orbs or lights or something from the corner of their eye, confusion, and fear. In more serious cases, they may require deliverance (Mark 16:17). Only the blood of Jesus, repentance, and renunciation of these practices can bring freedom and lasting peace.
Final Warning
The seductive nature of the Black Arts lies in their promise of empowerment and hidden knowledge, but in reality, they lead to spiritual bondage and deception. Christians must remain vigilant, discerning, and grounded in the Word of God. True healing, peace, and power are found in Jesus Christ alone, not in occult modalities disguised as light.
Methods of discernment:
• Who was the founder of this modality?
• What was his/her spirituality?
• What culture did it come out of?
• What were their beliefs?
• Who is their God or gods?
Many occult practices in Christianity need to be discerned. Another method of discernment is the Word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.
Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”
By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance
If you've been involved in a new age, occult, or cult, it can invite demonic spirits to torment you. If you feel tormented, you may need deliverance.
Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.
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